Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Chevrolet Traverse (2017) Specs

vs.

◆

2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2017 Chevrolet Traverse Specifications

Model Year	2016	2017
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Chevrolet Traverse
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 288 hp@6300 270 lb-ft@3400
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	118.9 in	-7.5 in
Length	193.8 in	203.7 in	-9.9 in
Width	73.0 in	78.5 in	-5.5 in
Height	57.7 in	69.9 in	-12.2 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	4646 lb.	-1258 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	22.0 gal.	-9 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	40.4 in	-1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	61.5 in	-3 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	58.0 in	-3.9 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	41.3 in	0.7 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	39.4 in	-1.9 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	61.0 in	-3.9 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.4 in	57.8 in	-4.4 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	36.8 in	1.3 in
Headroom, Row 3	0.0 in	37.8 in	-37.8 in
Shoulder Room, Row 3	0.0 in	57.6 in	-57.6 in
Hip Room, Row 3	0.0 in	48.3 in	-48.3 in
Legroom, Row 3	0.0 in	33.2 in	-33.2 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	111.3 in (over 3 rows)	-31.2 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	15.8 ft³	24.4 ft³	-8.6 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	15.8	70.3 ft³	-54.5
Cargo Volume, Maximum	15.8 ft³	116.3 ft³	-100.5 ft³

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2016	Chevrolet's designers styled the new Malibu's instrument panel to appear low and out of the way, such that the front seat feels especially roomy and the view forward seems more open than in most competitors, including the Kia (the instrument panel in which seems significantly higher and more imposing). In the tested car, which had every option except the panoramic sunroof, headroom was so abundant I could have worn a fedora. The Kia Optima might have as much front headroom when similarly without a sunroof. The official specs, which often don't reflect real world differences, suggest it should have even more than the Malibu. But you cannot get a highly equipped Optima without the sunroof, as it's part of a large package on the SX and standard on the SX Limited. Though the Malibu's windshield is relatively large, you won't find outward visibility among the reasons to buy one. The Chevrolet's front pillars remain on the thick side, its instrument panel is considerably deeper than the Kia's, and the view to the sides and rear also could be more open. In the Optima, the view to the sides is more open but that to the rear is not. I did find the Cherolet's front seats more form-fitting and comfortable than the Optima's. The Kia's quilted seats aren't as cushy as they appear. see full Chevrolet Malibu review

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2016	4dr SUV 281-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	I bought this vehicle to be able to transport my grandchildren back and forth between New Jersey and Ohio. I have the 2LT version with four captains chairs and really enjoy the convienence of not having to move a middle row seat to allow one of them to get into the "way back". Having three kids jammed together in a middle seat for an 8 hour drive is courting disaster--that's why I needed that third seat. Everyone has plenty of space. Normally I find any drive over 4 hours a bit uncomfortable but the seat and driver's position was very relaxing and comfortable. This particular vehicle has the most room for storage behind the third seat than any in its class. It is only beat by minivans and they just aren't my kind of vehicle. see full Chevrolet Traverse review

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans

See TrueDelta's information for all Chevrolet models.